The final 10 overs saw a remarkable turnaround, with the duo stitching together a crucial stand, launching a blistering attack on England’s pace battery before late wickets halted the momentum.
India’s fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya said that every player in the team is committed to bringing the Champions Trophy back home yet again by showcasing their unique brand of cricket in the eight-team tournament.
It is Pandya’s second time at the top of this list this year, the first time following India’s T20 World Cup victory in the USA and West Indies.
Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians have announced that they have retained their core players — Jasprit Bumrah, Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma ahead of IPL 2025 season.
With a big tour of Australia on the horizon, India's white-ball expert Hardik Pandya looks set to return to action after a big break with an appearance in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to gear up for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Pandya carried his superb form from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the recently concluded Ireland series into the game against England, leading the visitors to a massive 198/8 in 20 overs before returning to bowl a fiery spell that saw the hosts bundled out for 148 in 19.3 overs.
With Pandya stressing after the first match that India are firmly focusing on the road to Men's T20 World Cup, to be hosted by Australia in October-November, they will be keen to test more players in the second T20I.
Hardik recently returned to the India squad for the T20I series against South Africa, where he made some critical contributions. His selection followed a sensational IPL season with the Gujarat Titans, where he proved his form and fitness by leading them to the title.
Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title, will captain India in absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma. The 35-year-old Sharma along with Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Md Shami, Rishabh Pant and others will be in England for the rescheduled 5th Test, when another Indian squad will play T20Is in Ireland.
Taking into account the way Pandya led Gujarat Titans throughout IPL 2022, former India star Sanjay Manjrekar sees shades of former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in his leadership.
